QR chief executive Nick Easy said the 80-wagon train left at Nelia in Julia Creek on January 31 was carrying a mixture of chemicals including zinc, lead and copper anode.

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"The aerial inspection showed the wagons at varying angles, with some on their side. It is understood that some product has spilled into floodwaters," he said.

"Due to floodwaters continuing to rise and heavy rainfall, Queensland Rail crews are unable to physically access the site.

The aerial view of the train with wagons flipped over and what appears to be a chemical slick.Credit:Queensland Rail

"Upon identifying the impacted train, Queensland Rail immediately reported the issue to emergency services, the Department of Environment and Science and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator, and has stood up a local incident co-ordination team.

"Queensland Rail will work closely with the different agencies to understand impacts and respond to the incident, and will continue to keep the local community updated.

"While Queensland Rail understands all other locomotives are safe and accounted for, further aerial inspections will be undertaken as soon as is safe to do so to confirm this.

"This is an unprecedented flooding event and Nelia is a high point in the area which has previously provided safe flood-free stowing for trains in flood events."

All other stowed third-party freight trains were safe.

The Mount Isa Line remained closed between Stuart and Cloncurry due to excessive flooding in multiple places.

The North Coast Line also remained closed between Ayr and Cairns.

Spirit of Queensland and Inlander passenger services were experiencing cancellations but replacement road coaches would be arranged if possible.

The bodies of two men were discovered as the water started to recede after the height of the flood in Townsville this week. Police believe without the combination of council tip trucks, army vehicles and specialist rescue teams, the death toll would have been much higher.